Generac GP5500E EFI
#13 in Mid-sizeFull review
A mid-size gasoline generator with fuel injection for buyers who want an easy start after months in storage, and the pick for California. Others get more watts per dollar.
Amazon $1,099$1,099
The Generac GP5500E EFI is the better portable generator overall, rated 3.6 to 2.9. The Generac GP5500E EFI leads on value and starting. The Generac GP5500E EFI costs $1,900 less ($1,099 vs $2,999).
Honda EB6500
#14 in Mid-sizeFull review
A contractor-grade generator for daily job-site use where durability and OSHA compliance matter more than price. Home backup buyers get far more watts per dollar elsewhere.
Amazon $2,999$2,999
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Generac GP5500E EFI for value ($0.20 per running watt vs $0.55 per running watt) and starting (push-button electric start vs pull start only).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Generac GP5500E EFI | Honda EB6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 48 $0.20 per running watt | 0 $0.55 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 65 10.5 hours on a tank at 50% load | 58 9.8 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| Generac GP5500E EFI | Honda EB6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 5,500 W running, 6,875 W starting | 5,500 W running, 7,000 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L14-30 | 4 × 120 V, L5-30, L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | No | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.20 | $0.55 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 5.4 gal | 6.2 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 10.5 hr at 50% load | 9.8 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | 298 cc | 389 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | - | 64 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Recoil (pull) |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 27 x 27 x 25 in | 41.4 x 27.8 x 30.4 in |
| Weight | 163 lb | 215.8 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2025-08 | 2020-08 |